Public reminded to use current dangerous wildlife hotline number

OLYMPIA - When you want to report a dangerous wildlife or poaching incident who should you call?

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), toll-free at 1-800-477-6224.

As usual, the arrival of summer brings an increase in wildlife activity and a corresponding rise in the number of complaints and concerns over potentially dangerous wildlife.

In recent weeks, however, a number of those wildlife-related calls have been mistakenly placed to a number WDFW stopped using early in 2001. The number has since been reassigned by telephone service providers to a Texas man who has no connection with WDFW or wildlife concerns.

The correct WDFW hotline number, which is intended for both dangerous wildlife and poaching violation reports, appears on hunting and fishing licenses and is printed in WDFW hunting and fishing pamphlets.

The hotline is not intended to be used as an information line. General information may be obtained by contacting the main WDFW reception number, (360) 902-2200, or WDFW regional offices. Local regional office numbers are published in WDFW hunting and fishing pamphlets and in telephone directories.